Hawaii Permit Test Passing Score: 24/30 and the 80% Rule (2026)

You must score 80% or higher to pass the Hawaii learner permit knowledge test Hawaii's learner's permit test and receive your Class 3 Instruction Permit. The in-person written exam has 30 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers. You can miss up to 6 questions and still pass.

What Score Do You Need to Pass the Hawaii Instruction Permit Knowledge Test?

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) uses clear calculation for the Graduated Licensing Program.

• Total Questions: 30
• Passing Percentage: 80%
• Minimum Correct Answers: 24
• Maximum Allowed Errors: 6

The computerized test uses 'fail-fast' logic. The exam ends automatically if you answer 7 questions incorrectly, as it becomes impossible to reach the passing score. It may also stop once you reach 24 correct answers, confirming your pass.

Hawaii Permit Test Score Chart

The Class 3 knowledge test uses the same 30-question scoring basis whether taken in person or online. You pass with 24 correct answers and can miss no more than 6.

A failed knowledge-test attempt triggers the applicable 7-day wait before retesting. The rule is based on failing the test, not on a separate 70% threshold.

Does Getting 30/30 Instead of 24/30 Give You Any Advantage?

No separate licensing benefit is tied to a perfect score. Once you meet the passing standard of 24 correct answers out of 30, you have passed the Class 3 knowledge test; later permit and licensing requirements stay the same.

Does Hawaii Show Your Exact Score After the Permit Test?

KnowToDrive gives an immediate result and next-step instructions after the online test. Public guidance does not guarantee that every testing route will display or print a detailed numerical score, so the key result to keep is whether you passed.

Does your Hawaii permit-test score appear on your instruction permit or driving record? The permit is issued because you passed the required exam. Hawaii's published permit requirements do not treat the numerical knowledge-test score as a credential detail printed on the instruction permit.

Do Online and In-Person Hawaii Class 3 Tests Use the Same Passing Score?

Yes. The Class 3 knowledge test has 30 questions in both formats, and the passing score is 24 correct (80%).

Testing and permit fees vary by county and belong in the dedicated Fees & Costs page rather than this score guide.

Is the passing score the same if you take the test in another language? Yes. Choosing an available language changes how the test is presented, not the Class 3 passing standard: more than six errors on the 30-question exam is a failure.

Meaning of a Passing or Failing Hawaii Permit-Test Score

A score of 24/30 or higher passes the Class 3 knowledge test; 23/30 or lower is a failing score. Retake timing, repeat-attempt rules and retest fees belong in the dedicated Failed & Retakes guide.

• Aim for a buffer: Consistently scoring around 90% on practice tests gives you room for test-day mistakes.
• Study Hawaii-specific rules: Use the current Hawaii Driver's Manual rather than relying on general driving knowledge.

Review Priorities Below a 24/30 Practice Score

For this page, the key point is your score: 24 of 30 correct. Use the Required Documents guide for the full document checklist and the Practice Tests page for study strategy.